943 had this as their motto “Today is the most important day of my life”. I copied it when I saw it because it is true. All we really have is today, right now, this minute. It’s easy to forget this, and I had for several years while my life spiraled out of control.

However I was lucky to get my focus back. Thanks in part to all you wonderful people on 43Things. :) You are my conscience, my confidants, my cheering squad when I need one, my gentle critics, and my source of inspiration. I love reading about your goals, how you accomplished them, what you are thinking, and reading the comments you send to each other. It has really helped me find my feet again. I thank all of you for that.

The reason for this post started out as a tribute to Marvin Hamlisch. He passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He was instrumental in starting a choir at work – yes, even geeks can sing. :) My friends had joined and spoke very highly of how he treated people and how he inspired them. I am going to join the choir in September. His legacy will continue, however it is more difficult without him to lead the way.

It’s more than that. Life is a gift that we often take for granted. I get up, go to work, do the same things in a “trance”, and at the end of the day wonder where my life went. And every day the news reminds us that other people are not as fortunate. I want to focus on the positive things in life, things I can control, and learn from the negative but not dwell on it.

With as much appreciation, love, and gratitude as I can put into words I want to thank every one of you on 43Things for making my world a much better place!

Peace.